Joe Amon, The Denver PostEmanuel James, 51, comforts his partner Crystal Black, 35, in the tent they share in Denver on March 20, 2019. Black is four months pregnant and suffering from pneumonia and chronic pain living while living with James on the streets.
Joe Amon, The Denver PostJerry Burton, an advocate for “Right to Survive”, talks with Denver Police during their second stop at the campsite where he is staying in Denver on March 19, 2019.
Joe Amon, The Denver PostShy Temple, 24, dry shaves with a carpet knife blade at a campsite he shares with a few other people on March 18, 2019, in Denver. He has been on the street for about six years, surviving in and around downtown Denver.
Joe Amon, The Denver PostChris Zeno, artist and activist for "Right to Survive," sweeps the sidewalk at the campsite where he has been living for about two months as newcomers to the site, Alice Fria, 57, and her dog, Gigi, watch on March 19, 2019, in Denver.
Joe Amon, The Denver PostAaron Waddell, 41, pours syrup on his french toast as Occupy Denver serves food near the Corner Bakery on the 16th Street Mall to bring attention to the "camping ban" on March 17, 2019, in Denver. "I never stop walking at night time, I'm kinda scared," he said. "I'll get four or five hours of sleep in the day time."
Joe Amon, The Denver PostBringing attention to the plight of the homeless and the the city's "camping ban," Occupy Denver served food near the Corner Bakery on the 16th Street Mall on March 17, 2019, in Denver.
Joe Amon, The Denver PostDenver Police tell Occupy Denver food servers they have to take down their tables as the organization serves breakfast near the Corner Bakery on the 16th Street Mall on March 17, 2019, in Denver. They were holding the event, in part, to bring attention to the city's "camping ban".
Joe Amon, The Denver PostMatty Hamlet is upset as Denver Police tell the servers they have to take down their tables as Occupy Denver serves breakfast near the Corner Bakery on the 16th Street Mall on March 17, 2019, in Denver.
Joe Amon, The Denver PostSarah Johnston, 25, has been on the street for about four and a half years. “The only hard part is always having to constantly move around,” she said as she used a ripped trash bag to clean up around her campsite March 18, 2019, in Denver.
Joe Amon, The Denver PostA slogan is printed on the hand of Sarah Johnston, 25, who has been on the street for about four and a half years. “The only hard part is always having to constantly move around,” she said as she cleaned up around her campsite March 18, 2019, in Denver.
Joe Amon, The Denver PostSuzanne Nisonger, 43, came to Denver from Grand Junction about a month ago and has been homeless on and off since 2005 when she was laid off as a data analyst with the State of Indiana. She is settled in at the St. Francis Center, a refuge for the homeless in the metro area. She was photographed on March 19, 2019, in Denver.
Joe Amon, The Denver PostA man who gave his name as Congac Hennessy, 32, pieces together the poles for his tent at a campsite he shares with a few other people on March 18, 2019, in downtown Denver. He has been on the street for about five years, surviving in and around downtown Denver.
Joe Amon, The Denver PostJerry Burton, an advocate for “Right to Survive,” stands near his campsite on March 19, 2019, in Denver. Burton has been on and off the street for five years. He personally strives to help the homeless survive on the street in Denver.
Joe Amon, The Denver PostAlice Fria, 57, and her tent mate Ron Doss, 43, settle in for the night in Denver on March 20, 2019. Putting everything inside with them keeps them safe, makes it warmer at night and keeps their area neat while surviving on the streets in Denver.
Joe Amon, The Denver Post
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Emanuel James, 51, comforts his partner Crystal Black, 35, in the tent they share in Denver on March 20, 2019. Black is four months pregnant and suffering from pneumonia and chronic pain living while living with James on the streets.
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By Joe Amon | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your player ready...
Life continues for people experiencing homelessness in Denver, even as the debate around proposed legislation to repeal the city’s camping ban heats up. Among other rights, Initiative 300 would allow people to pitch tents and use other kids of shelter, including blankets, in public spaces. Voters will decide on the measure, also known as the “Right to Survive,” this May.